Entertainment
Hollywood writers, major studios reach tentative deal to end strike
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Television and movie writers with the WGA began their strike on May 2 for the first time in 15 years to protest pay and working conditions in the era of streaming TV, bringing much of Hollywood production to a halt.
by Xinhua writer Gao Shan
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) — Hollywood writers and major studios on Sunday reached a tentative agreement that would bring an end to a strike that has lasted nearly five months.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA), which represents more than 11,000 screenwriters, said in a statement that the labor union has reached a tentative agreement on a new 2023 Minimum Basic Agreement, “an agreement in principle on all deal points, subject to drafting final contract language.”
“What we have won in this contract — most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd — is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days,” said the union, adding: “It is the leverage generated by your strike, in concert with the extraordinary support of our union siblings, that finally brought the companies back to the table to make a deal.”
“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional — with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the union noted.
Television and movie writers with the WGA began their strike on May 2 for the first time in 15 years to protest pay and working conditions in the era of streaming TV, bringing much of Hollywood production to a halt.
The proposed contract would still have to be ratified by the union’s members.
Once the memorandum of agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents major Hollywood studios and streamers, is complete, the WGA negotiating committee will vote on whether to recommend the agreement and send it on to the WGA West board and WGA East council for approval. The board and council will then vote on whether to authorize a contract ratification vote by the membership, according to the union.
Movie and TV productions in Hollywood have come to a nearly complete stop after two of the industry’s most powerful labor unions are striking simultaneously for the first time in over 60 years.
In July, over 160,000 members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) went on strike, joining the members of the WGA who have been on strike since May.
SAG-AFTRA said in a statement that it “congratulates the WGA on reaching a tentative agreement with the AMPTP after 146 days of incredible strength, resiliency, and solidarity on the picket lines.”
“While we look forward to reviewing the WGA and AMPTP’s tentative agreement, we remain committed to achieving the necessary terms for our members,” said the union.
“After a nearly five-month long strike, I am grateful that the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have reached a fair agreement and I’m hopeful that the same can happen soon with the Screen Actors Guild,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a statement, adding that the historic strike impacted so many across Los Angeles and across the nation.
“Now, we must focus on getting the entertainment industry, and all the small businesses that depend on it, back on their feet and stronger than ever before,” she noted.
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Emirates Dubai 7s is returning to The Sevens Stadium from November 27 to 29, with tickets now on sale for the three-day sports and entertainment festival.
The 2026 edition will bring together international rugby, amateur sports, live music and family entertainment, with organisers promising a bigger programme than previous years.
The festival attracted more than 88,000 visitors in 2025 and will again take place during the final weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices for General Admission and Hospitality have stayed the same for a third consecutive year.
Three-day General Admission tickets cost Dh595 per person, while the three-day Family Pass is Dh1,136 for two adults and two children.
Other ticket options
- Group pass: Dh446 per person for four or more adults
- Saturday or Sunday: Dh455
- Friday: Dh75
- Under 15s: Free
- People of Determination + carer: Dh375
Tickets can be purchased through the Emirates Dubai 7s website and app.
Bigger family attractions
Family entertainment will get a major boost this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of the Family.
The festival will feature its biggest-ever Kids’ Zone, including the UAE’s largest inflatable kids’ zone, along with a Ferris wheel and zipline. More attractions are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
Six sports and top rugby action
Alongside elite rugby, visitors can watch or take part in competitions across six sports — rugby, netball, cricket, WODON3 fitness, Rebound padel and Gaelic Football.
Gaelic Football will join the festival for the first time in 2026.
The Sevens Stadium will also host the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, bringing the world’s leading rugby sevens players to Dubai.
The WODON3 Elite final will take place on Pitch 1 between HSBC SVNS matches, with competitors potentially performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000.
Music all weekend
Live entertainment will run throughout the festival, with local and international artists performing across three days.
Last year’s line-up included Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Fisher, while the 2026 headline acts will be announced later.
For a premium experience, The Sunroom returns with all-inclusive food and drinks, shaded seating, prime sporting views and dedicated access. Packages start from Dh1,925 per person.
With sport, music and family attractions packed into one weekend, Emirates Dubai 7s is gearing up for another big Dubai event.
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